Federer Cool With Kyrgios’ Underhanded Serve

by Staff | February 28th, 2019, 8:54 pm
  • 36 Comments

Maybe it was because he beat rival Rafael Nadal, but Roger Federer said he was totally cool with Nick Kyrgios’ underhanded serve he used last night in Acapulco.

“Underarm is definitely a tactic, I believe,” Federer said. “Especially when guys are hugging the fence in the back. From that standpoint, shouldn’t be ashamed if you try it out, just look silly if you miss it sometimes. Why not try it?

“The problem is in practice, you never really try it. When you come out in the big stage in front of a full crowd…tricky to pull off.”


Federer said he didn’t watch the match, but saw the highlights.

“The end was epic, had everything, dramatic,” Federer said. “It was I’m sure definitely a good match to be in the stadium to watch as a fan.”


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36 Comments for Federer Cool With Kyrgios’ Underhanded Serve

Van Persie Says:

Martina Hingis used the underhanded serve at the FO 1999 final (against Steffi). It is legal? Of course, but not very much liked.

March 1st, 2019 at 7:00 am


Chris Campbell Says:

Definitely legal and in all the rules it’s mentioned as being legal “The International Tennis Federation (ITF) Rules of Tennis (#16) says only that the ball must be struck “before the ball hits the ground”, ”

Is it really underhand though when you are trying to be better tactically than your opponent? If it’s legal and a tactic then it should be used more often!! As Federer said, it’s very hard shot to pull off!

March 1st, 2019 at 8:36 am


PK Says:

Why isn’t the underhanded serve “liked”?

I mean, an ace serve that you can’t even get your racket on is probably not that popular either, right? Or Federer’s sporadic use of the SABR tactic, is that not liked? Or is a drop-shot now also disrespectful?

It’s all a bit confusing.
PK

March 1st, 2019 at 9:45 am


Van Persie Says:

Is hitting the opponent with the ball, when he’s at the net, ilegal? No. It should be done more often,right? Tennis would be beautiful:)

March 1st, 2019 at 11:02 am


Van Persie Says:

Sleeping with another’s wife/husband it is also legal, but not really moral, is it?

March 1st, 2019 at 11:07 am


Giles Says:

The “EGG” is legal also but is against the spirit of the sport!

March 1st, 2019 at 11:26 am


Van Persie Says:

By the “EGG” I am not that bothered. Anyone can use it. But way too many TUEFs in sports, perhaps. Too much time between the oints, there I agree, is a bit disrespectful, except after long rallies.

March 1st, 2019 at 11:35 am


Giles Says:

^^^ And how about bouncing the ball 15 times??

March 1st, 2019 at 1:36 pm


JB Says:

If anyone was doing something outside the rules it was Nadal. He slowed walked every point, fiddled with his nose, ears, shorts, whatever just to slow Nick down during his serve. Rules are clear: You play and the speed of the server. Yet, no one said a word. Sharapova does it on ever point and she never gets a penalty. Jordan used to take four steps on a layup and no one said a word. All the royalty in every sport get their way….just the way it is.

March 1st, 2019 at 2:00 pm


skeezer Says:

The serve was long. No harm no foul.
Would have loved to have seen it go in though and be an ace, lol ;)

March 1st, 2019 at 2:24 pm


Van Persie Says:

No worries Giles, I included my guy in that category. I am very aware about his weaknesses.
But when it comes to Nick, it is hard for me to like him, he does not allow me to see something nice or decent, appart from his tennis talent. Time for him to grow up, as he’s not a kid anymore. Up to him actually, as I do not give a s*it about him.

March 1st, 2019 at 2:29 pm


skeezer Says:

Nick has great records against top opponents, including 2-0 against the worlds current #1, me thinks he has the tennis world’s attention.
Just think when he DOES get his act together(if he does). In a way I don’t think he ever will, that’s him, but neither did Nastase.

March 1st, 2019 at 2:43 pm


Van Persie Says:

Skeezer,

Agree, but Nastase did win some important titles and was 1st Nr. 1 in ATP. In some moments he got his act together. And was “heads up” , not hunged back, like Nick. Will Nick ever be a tennis legend? :)

March 1st, 2019 at 2:52 pm


skeezer Says:

He is already known as a legend beater. He has beaten the top 3 six/eoght times??
Some fans just want a certain type of behavior from a professional athlete, Nick is not that guy. Don’t like some of his antics either, but don’t care for others stuff too. But I am going to watch them compete cause they are entertaining in one way or another, and they are really really good tennis players.

March 1st, 2019 at 6:31 pm


Van Persie Says:

Skeezer,if he does not change something, or will not matter that he beat some tennis legends.

Also do not agree with Rafa, that Nick does not show any form of respect. When a guy gives all his best on court in order to beat tennis legends, it is a form of respect to them, he is aware they are LEGENDS. What Nick lacks is more the respect for his own person, when just beating tennis legends is enough for him.

Yes,his tennis may be entartaining, but the body language, the looks in his eyes belongs to a depressed and lacking of confidence person. He looks kind of groos, if you ask me. Nastase was anything but depressed:)

Who knows, maybe he will change, but do not think so.

March 2nd, 2019 at 12:35 am


Van Persie Says:

I was only sad, that Rafa lost his nerve aftwr the match and during the interview, that’s why I have posted, not for Nick!

March 2nd, 2019 at 12:41 am


Wog Boy Says:

VP,
I wouldn’t waste my breath, the only reason he praises Nick the Prick is because he beat Rafa.
I mean, this site was dead dead and the moment Rafa loses fanatics are coming out of their caves, just check Rafa threads.
Can you imagine 37 years old fanatics to like Nick the Prick, I mean, he is everything opposite of their God?!
Only an idi@t or somebody who hates Rafa from the bottom of his heart can compare Nastase with Nick the Prick, what has he achieved in tennis at the age of 23, four minor titles?!
Nastase is the legend and will stay legend, no need to say who is and what is Nick the Prick, just come into any Aussie pub and they will tell you;)

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:15 am


Van Persie Says:

WB,

haha, seems like many are in extasy after Rafa’s loss to Nick. Underhanded serve is more and more appreciated since then. lol. It is a crazy world :D

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:24 am


Skeezer Says:

Isn’t this the same guy who is 2-0 against Djoker? Oops my bad.

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:33 am


Wog Boy Says:

VP,

Try to imagine this site if someone did underhanded serve to 37 years old, good Lord, fanatics would crucified him.
Are you watching the match? I am going for Isner, far better human being, but he won’t win it.

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:38 am


Van Persie Says:

Skeezer,

Did he beat Nole in a slam final? Actually: did Nick play in a slam final, or in a slam semifinal at least? :)
Those victories to Nole are meaning 0 to me, unless he backs them up with skme big titles.

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:41 am


Van Persie Says:

WB,

I am in a train at the moment, and using the opportunity to have some chat with Skeezer :)
Not seing the match :(

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:43 am


Van Persie Says:

Go Big John!
Always liked the giant, WB :)

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:45 am


Wog Boy Says:

VP,
Ok then, I don’t want to interrupt you conversation, I have a manners;)

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:47 am


Wog Boy Says:

Agree VP.

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:48 am


Van Persie Says:

WB,

That’s fine. We have now a group chat. I missed that on Tennis X :D

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:50 am


Van Persie Says:

Nick-Sascha tomorrow. It will be like Beauty and the Beast :D

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:05 am


Wog Boy Says:

I don’t want to jinx the player I will be cheering for tomorrow, but I’ll we be watching it;)

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:15 am


Wog Boy Says:

On the other note, new World Record was set today at Royal Randwick racecourse, 23 group 1 wins and 31 wins in a row by Winx, what a horse, not that I am big punter, nerve wrecking race, have a look, only two minutes, magnificent horse, almost as good as 37 years old;)

https://youtu.be/wYGUFmpURn4

Much better than watching Nick:)

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:23 am


skeezer Says:

I don’t know, I kinda enjoyed (acualyy really enjoyed 37 yr old so called has been getting to another ATP final today. Impeccable performance. He smash mouthed one of the church’s favorite players 2 and 2…Coric’s the name I believe?

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:38 am


Van Persie Says:

Thank you WB, arrived at destination and was a bit busy. Those horses are a joy to watch. Lovely animals :)

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:01 am


Wog Boy Says:

@2:38am

Was that in English language? That sounds very incoherent, are you ok?!

BTW, Coric is Croatian and the most complete player in the history and the best player of his era is Serbian, do you know the difference?
Typical American, geography knowledge 0 (zero).

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:17 am


Wog Boy Says:

VP,
I bet you know thing or two about horses coming from Banat.

Yes, they are magnificent animals and this is where I will be in few months time, SE Serbia, wild horses, unspoiled nature, great maestro on “Serbian flute” (George Zamfir is the best on pan flute), enjoy it, I know you will:

https://youtu.be/lOj1rmX6nDk

I can’t wait it.

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:25 am


Wog Boy Says:

Here you can see and hear the artist performing with Barcelone Gypsy band, the name of the song is “Just another Balkan Day” by marstro on Serbian flute Bora Dugic:

https://youtu.be/8T3NytqNSXw

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:39 am


j-kath Says:

The current rise in numbers of comments on Tx demonstrates how the level of interest soars when Nole, Rafa and Roger are partipants…..even if they win or lose it is hard to find replacements for them.

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:54 am


Van Persie Says:

WB,

I have seen wild horses in Ardeal mountains (Retezat), not so far from Banat. Beautiful indeed.
Nice videos and amazing landscape.
When exactly. will you be in Serbia?

March 2nd, 2019 at 10:20 am

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